Épisodes

  • Youth Soccer in the U.S. — What’s Working, What’s Broken, and What Comes Next

    Youth Soccer in the U.S. — What’s Working, What’s Broken, and What Comes Next
    Jan 21 2026
    In this episode, Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban sit down with Andrew Donnery, CEO of Elk Grove Soccer to break down the realities of youth soccer in the United States. From pay-to-play pressure and coaching quality to access, affordability, and the impact of the 2026 World Cup, Andrew offers candid insight into what’s working, what’s broken, and how the system could evolve. Key Topics: - Is the U.S. youth soccer system working? - Why keeping the game fun matters - Development gaps between the U.S. and Europe - Training hours, quality coaching, and player pathways - ECNL, MLS Next, and league fragmentation - Financial access and sustainability in youth soccer - The potential impact of the 2026 World Cup About the Guest: Andrew Donnery is the CEO of Elk Grove Soccer and a globally recognized coach, educator, and soccer leader. Originally from England, he has dedicated his career to developing players, educating coaches, and building sustainable soccer programs. Connect with Us: Claudine Wong Facebook & Instagram: ClaudineWongKTVU TikTok: ClaudineKTVU YouTube: ClaudineWong Alex Lobban Instagram: @thealexlobban Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    54 min
  • World Cup Draw and More with Kelly Gray

    World Cup Draw and More with Kelly Gray
    Dec 16 2025
    The 2026 World Cup draw is out — and now comes the analysis, overanalysis, and excitement. Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban are joined by former MLS midfielder youth sports executive Kelly Gray to break down what the draw means for the U.S., the Bay Area, and the future of soccer in America. From expectations for the U.S. Men’s National Team to the global stars, underdog stories, and the long-term impact of hosting the World Cup, this episode looks beyond the brackets to what really matters. Guest: Kelly Gray -Grew up in San Jose as an Earthquakes fan -Won league championship with Leigh High School in SJ -All-American in college at Portland -2002 MLS SuperDraft first-round pick (5th overall) by the Chicago Fire -Traded to Quakes in 2005 and team won the Supporters’ Shield for best regular-season record -Won MLS Cup in 2006 with Houston Dynamo -Played 51 games for U.S. Under-20 National Team -TV/radio experience: Former Earthquakes color commentator for CSN (now NBC Sports) Bay Area, Quakes Radio Network Head of Cinch Sports (San Jose) What We Cover: - Initial reactions to the World Cup draw and why Bay Area fans felt disappointed - Levi’s Stadium matchups and whether the “best games” really matter - The U.S. Men’s National Team group: favorable draw or dangerous complacency? - Why expectations for the U.S. must go beyond just advancing from the group - The most entertaining and competitive groups to watch - Group of Death debate and toughest paths to the knockout rounds - Cities that “won” the draw (Miami, LA, New York) - Star power heading into the World Cup: Messi, Mbappé, Haaland, Vinícius Jr., De Bruyne, and more - Young players poised to break out on the world stage - African and underdog nations that could surprise - How hosting the World Cup could reshape U.S. soccer and MLS - Why the real impact of the World Cup is felt after the final whistle Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome and episode intro 01:20 – Kelly Gray’s background and playing career 02:06 – Reaction to the World Cup draw 04:02 – Why the draw was must-watch TV 06:33 – Growth of soccer in the U.S. since 1994 08:06 – MLS momentum and global visibility 11:36 – Best groups and must-watch matchups 13:57 – Toughest groups and Group of Death debate 16:37 – How far should the U.S. realistically go? 18:26 – U.S. player pool: MLS vs Europe 21:31 – Surprise teams and potential upsets 24:53 – Young stars and breakout storylines 26:18 – Messi, legacy players, and final World Cup narratives 30:16 – Why the World Cup creates life-changing moments 33:28 – Managing expectations and embracing the experience 35:07 – Long-term impact on MLS and U.S. soccer 37:12 – Kelly’s 1994 World Cup story at Stanford Stadium 40:05 – Final thoughts and wrap-up Connect With Us: Claudine Wong Facebook & Instagram: ClaudineWongKTVU TikTok: ClaudineKTVU YouTube: ClaudineWong Alex Lobban Instagram: @thealexlobban Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    41 min
  • Adam Cooper – Head Coach, St. Mary’s College Men’s Soccer

    Adam Cooper – Head Coach, St. Mary’s College Men’s Soccer
    Dec 9 2025
    In this episode, Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban sit down with Adam Cooper, one of the most successful college soccer coaches in the country and the longtime architect of the powerhouse program at St. Mary’s College. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Episode 17 02:05 – Falling in Love With Soccer 05:42 – The Youth Soccer Landscape Then vs. Now 09:10 – Getting Noticed by UCLA 12:45 – The Jump to High-Level College Soccer 16:28 – Becoming a Coach 21:20 – Choosing Coaching Over a Pro Career 25:55 – Staying at St. Mary’s 28:18 – Recruiting Today: It’s Complicated 33:14 – The Transfer Portal: “Free Agency Without Contracts” 38:05 – NIL Money and Mid-Major Programs 41:40 – What Coaches Look For 47:55 – Talent, Training, and What Kids Need More Of 53:20 – How Youth Clubs Should Handle Free Play 56:00 – Looking Ahead to the 2026 World Cup 01:04:10 – The Future of Soccer in America 01:08:00 – Final Thoughts & A Thank You to Adam Cooper Connect With Us Claudine: Instagram @ClaudineWongKTVU, Facebook ClaudineWongKTVU, TikTok @ClaudineKTVU, YouTube ClaudineWong Alex: Instagram @thealexlobban Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    51 min
  • A Pro at 16: San Jose Earthquakes’ Niko Tsakiris

    A Pro at 16: San Jose Earthquakes’ Niko Tsakiris
    Nov 18 2025
    What’s it really like to go from youth soccer to the pros at just 16 years old? In this episode, Bay Area native Niko Tsakiris joins Claudine and Alex to talk about his incredible journey from kicking a ball around his backyard to wearing the Earthquakes jersey and representing the U.S. on the world stage. Niko shares what it’s like growing up in a soccer family, the mental challenges of turning pro as a teenager, and how he balances joy, pressure, and perspective in a career that’s still just getting started. Key Topics & Moments [00:01:00] Growing up in a soccer family — and never being without a ball. [00:03:00] Childhood inspirations and Messi magic. [00:05:00] Early training, competitiveness with siblings, and family support. [00:07:00] What it’s really like having your dad as your coach. [00:10:00] Moving from the Bay Area to Florida and the early academy years. [00:11:30] Transitioning from youth to pro — the speed, the mindset, and the adjustment. [00:14:00] Signing a pro contract at 16 — the whirlwind moment that changed everything. [00:16:50] Making his MLS debut and what that first appearance felt like. [00:19:30] The thrill of scoring his first MLS goal and what it meant for the team. [00:21:10] Future ambitions — from San Jose to the dream of Europe. [00:22:30] His take on youth soccer pathways and what needs to change. [00:24:00] Learning from rejection and the power of persistence. [00:26:30] The mental discipline of staying ready, even off the starting lineup. [00:28:45] Overcoming doubts and deciding what’s worth sacrificing. [00:31:30] Why he still loves the grind — the joy of competition and camaraderie. [00:33:30] Representing the U.S. — the pride of wearing the crest. [00:35:00] Advice to young players: enjoy the process, love the game, and keep the ball close. About Niko Tsakiris Position: Midfielder, San Jose Earthquakes Notable Honors: U.S. U-20 Captain, U-20 CONCACAF Golden Ball MVP Signed Pro: At age 16 with the Quakes Academy Hometown: South Bay, California Connect with Us Follow Offside in the Bay: To the Pitch and Beyond for more conversations about the beautiful game — from youth soccer to the pros. Connect with Claudine Wong: Instagram: @ClaudineWongKTVU Facebook: @ClaudineWongKTVU TikTok: @ClaudineKTVU YouTube: @ClaudineWong Connect with Alex Lobban: Instagram: @TheAlexLobban Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    38 min
  • Director of Analytics, Mustang Soccer Club, Dana Taylor

    Director of Analytics, Mustang Soccer Club, Dana Taylor
    Nov 1 2025
    Analytics has officially entered the pitch — and at Mustang Soccer Club, it’s changing everything. In this episode, hosts Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban sit down with Dana Taylor, Director of Analytics at Mustang, to explore how data and technology are transforming youth soccer from the inside out. Taylor, a longtime collegiate and club coach, shares how Mustang has built one of the most advanced youth analytics programs in the country — tracking everything from workload and heart rate to tactical touches and player decision-making. Together, they discuss how analytics can improve coaching, elevate player performance, and even prevent injuries — while raising big questions about the art, science, and heart of the game. Key Topics [00:01:00] Introducing Dana Taylor and the future of analytics in soccer [00:03:00] Dana’s journey from player to coach — and how it shaped his philosophy [00:06:00] What makes a great youth coach — and how much influence they really have [00:10:00] Balancing data, psychology, and development in player growth [00:13:45] How Mustang created a Director of Analytics role — and why it matters [00:16:00] How data gives parents and players new insight into performance [00:18:00] Using AI and B-Pro 11 to analyze every touch, pass, and decision [00:20:30] Tracking heart rate and workload with Beyond Pulse [00:23:00] The importance of active participation and coach accountability [00:26:30] Preventing overtraining and injuries with real-time data [00:29:50] Creating a one-stop data hub for player analytics [00:31:30] Why Mustang’s model could change youth soccer everywhere [00:35:00] How analytics may reshape recruiting and scouting [00:38:00] What data can’t measure — heart, resilience, and creativity [00:43:30] Advice for players: decision-making and not losing the ball [00:44:30] Balancing data and artistry in the modern game [00:48:00] Dana’s World Cup picks and players to watch Connect with Us 🎙️ Hosts: Claudine Wong & Alex Lobban @thealexloban 📸 Claudine on Facebook & Instagram: @ClaudineWongKTVU 🎵 Claudine on TikTok: @ClaudineKTVU 📺 Claudine on YouTube: ClaudineWong 🌐 ktvu.com | foxlocal.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    51 min
  • 39 years with Santa Clara Women's Soccer Head Coach Jerry Smith

    39 years with Santa Clara Women's Soccer Head Coach Jerry Smith
    Oct 31 2025
    In this episode of "Offside in the Bay" Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban as kick off the college season with a deep dive into the roots and future of soccer. This week, they welcome Jerry Smith, the legendary head coach of Santa Clara University women's soccer. With over 500 career wins, two national championships, and a legacy of developing professional and international players, Coach Smith offers invaluable insight. They explore his enduring coaching philosophy, the critical pathway from youth to collegiate soccer, and the evolution of the women's game. Whether you're a player, a coach, or just a lifelong fan, don't miss this conversation about sustained success and the "bigger picture" of sportsmanship. Coach Smith shares stories from his own journey, including being drafted to the NASL, the importance of playing multiple sports, and a heartwarming lesson from his very first coaching experience. Connect with Us Hosts: Claudine Wong & Alex Lobban @thealexloban 📸 Claudine on Facebook & Instagram: @ClaudineWongKTVU 🎵 Claudine on TikTok: @ClaudineKTVU 📺 Claudine on YouTube: ClaudineWong 🌐 ktvu.com | foxlocal.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    52 min
  • Sarina Bolden – Philippines Women’s National Team Forward

    Sarina Bolden – Philippines Women’s National Team Forward
    Oct 4 2025
    In this episode, Claudine Wong and co-host @thealexlobban sit down with Sarina Bolden, the Bay Area–born striker who made history for the Philippines by scoring the country’s first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup goal. From her youth soccer days in Milpitas to representing her heritage on the world stage, Sarina shares her journey of resilience, family influence, and chasing dreams across continents. She opens up about navigating burnout, choosing between sports, overcoming an ACL injury, and finding pride in inspiring the next generation of players. Whether it’s grassroots development, international play, or her ambitions to compete in the NWSL and beyond, Bolden’s story is one of grit, identity, and unshakable love for the game. Key Topics - [00:01:17] Making history at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup - [00:02:33] Growing up in Milpitas & choosing soccer over softball - [00:07:31] Burnout, pressure, and the importance of balance - [00:09:21] Navigating the Bay Area club scene & college recruiting - [00:13:29] Choosing LMU over her dream of UCLA - [00:16:13] Setting her sights on playing professionally - [00:18:19] Joining the Philippines Women’s National Team - [00:22:49] Scoring *the* goal — emotions and global impact - [00:25:41] Becoming a finisher: lessons from coaches & repetition - [00:29:40] Playing abroad: Australia, Italy, and career aspirations - [00:31:21] ACL injury, recovery, and advice for young athletes - [00:35:41] Staying motivated, setting new goals, and seeking opportunity - [00:36:59] Reflections on the U.S. youth soccer system & global game growth - [00:40:21] Advice to her younger self and what’s still ahead Connect with Us Hosts: Claudine Wong & @thealexlobban Visit us at ktvu.com and foxlocal.com Watch on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    46 min
  • Building Soccer Community with Town FC

    Building Soccer Community with Town FC
    Sep 19 2025
    Episode Summary What does it take to build a professional soccer club from the ground up—and make it matter to the community it serves? In this episode of Offside in the Bay: To the Pitch and Beyond, Claudine and Alex sit down with Tennyson Wilson, co-founder of Town FC, the Bay Area’s MLS Next Pro affiliate of the San Jose Earthquakes.From youth academies to the pro pathway, Town FC is working to create opportunities for players, families, and fans while growing the game in the East Bay. Tennyson shares the origin story of the club, its unique partnership with the Earthquakes, and why building a true community hub matters just as much as what happens on the pitch. You’ll hear about: The vision behind Town FC and why “The Town” represents more than a name. How MLS Next Pro bridges the gap between youth soccer, college, and the first team. The importance of family-friendly game day experiences that make fans come back. Challenges and opportunities in the U.S. soccer landscape, from pay-to-play to pathways. Town FC’s new academy merger and upcoming women’s program launch. Episode Highlights (Timestamps) 00:03 – Welcome to Offside in the Bay 02:15 – Tennyson Wilson’s personal soccer story 03:38 – Founding Town FC: grassroots beginnings and Oakland roots 06:47 – How MLS Next Pro creates a player pathway 09:11 – Town FC’s partnership with the San Jose Earthquakes 12:24 – Building first-team experiences for young players 15:41 – Balancing college eligibility and pro opportunities 18:47 – The long-term vision: independence, academies, and women’s programs 23:29 – Growing soccer culture in the U.S. 25:29 – Launch of the Town FC Academy (and merger with Diablo Valley) 29:46 – The politics of youth soccer and pay-to-play challenges 37:45 – From Town FC to MLS and beyond: player success stories 39:42 – What’s next for Town FC Whether you’re a youth player, a parent, or just a Bay Area soccer fan, this conversation gives you a window into how Town FC is building a future for the sport.Connect with Us Follow Claudine Wong: ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | TikTok | ⁠YouTube⁠ Follow Alex Lobban: ⁠@thealexlobban⁠ More from us: ⁠KTVU.com⁠ | FoxLocal | Podcast Pagefacebook.com ⁠Log in or sign up to view⁠ See posts, photos and more on Facebook. YouTube⁠ Claudine Wong⁠ Share your videos with friends, family, and the world Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    41 min